Overview

The finance sector is essential to a successful global economy, and currently employs over 2 million people across banking, insurance and accountancy services. You will study within our flourishing Business School in the heart of London.

Why study BSc Banking and Finance at Middlesex University?

Our course is tailored towards students wishing to forge careers in the financial sector. You will build specialist economic knowledge of the operations, strategy and regulatory functions of finance and banking institutions, prepared to pursue a management career within a financial institution. There is no better city to study finance. London remains, alongside New York and Tokyo, a powerhouse of international banking.

Work placements are an invaluable opportunity to gain employability skills so we have introduced two options by which you can integrate into your time at Middlesex. Those who wish to do a placement can take either a 36 week sandwich placement in Year 3 as part of a 4 year degree or two 18 week summer placements allowing you to complete your degree within 3 years.

Course highlights

You will have access to the latest Bloomberg and Datastream finance software in our Financial Markets Lab

You can spend one year studying abroad as part of the course by becoming part of the EU Erasmus programme - this can also include a contribution to your tuition fees

Department

What our students say

The course is complex, stimulating, challenging, exciting and rewarding. I’m proud of my HRM report that analyses the internal and external environment of an organisation.

Ana Starciuc, Banking and Finance BA student

Did you know

We have an outstanding student satisfaction rate of 97% (NSS, 2015)

Course content

What will you study on the BSc Banking and Finance?

This course provides an advanced financial education which covers both microeconomic and macroeconomic theory and policy. You will learn quantitative research and computing methods essential for economics and finance. As part of your studies you will also cover:

Modern financial institutions and markets

Modern banking systems and monetary theory and policy

Finance theory and risk management in banking

What will you gain?

You will graduate with the confidence to present and discuss economic argument using verbal, graphical, mathematical and statistical language. Prepared with the skills to research and disseminate economic and financial data: to support arguments and draw conclusions. You will also become confident in analysing and interpreting economic and financial information and be able to demonstrate a critical evaluation of economic issues relevant to banking and finance.

Modules

Year 1

Financial Accounting (30 credits) - Compulsory

This module is an introduction to bookkeeping and financial accounting. Its main aim is to provide you with the basic techniques and skills required in order to record transactions by the method known in accounting as double entry and then prepare a set of single company accounts based on those records. You will also start to be able to interpret the accounts prepared by others.

Financial Data Analysis (30 credits) - Compulsory

This module provides a thorough grounding of the basic statistical methods and computer software for the analysis and presentation of accounting and economic data. It caters for those with some prior mathematical knowledge, and while you are expected to complete mathematical calculations by hand and using a computer, the emphasis is on the interpretation and communication of quantitative results.

Financial Markets and Institutions (30 credits) - Compulsory

This module aims to present an overview of key financial markets and institutions to prepare you for more advanced and specialist studies in Year 2 and 3. The module adopts both a quantitative and qualitative approach to explaining the functioning and importance of financial markets and institutions supported by real world examples.

Principles of Economics (30 credits) - Compulsory

This module aims to develop your knowledge of economics. You will explore the relevant microeconomics and macroeconomic reasoning to evaluate the structure, conduct and performance of business organisations for profit, assess major influences shaping the behaviour of business organisations and possible constraints on business decision making, and apply neo-classical, managerial and behavioural economic theories to the decision-making process of firms in a domestic and international context.

Year 2

Banking Theory and Practice (30 credits) - Compulsory

This module aims to build your knowledge of banking as preparation for more advanced study. It approaches banking from an economic perspective with an aim to explore the complexity and integrated nature of financial systems with emphasis on the UK, identify and assess different systems of allocating funds for economic development, develop your ability to apply introductory risk management tools and techniques in banking, and investigate emerging issues and contemporary trends in banking theory and practice.

Macroeconomic Environment and Policy (30 credits) - Compulsory

This module aims to provide you with an understanding of the macroeconomic environment through a study of the models and techniques of macroeconomics at an intermediate level and an appreciation of current controversies with respect to the formulation, implementation and impact of macroeconomic policies.

Business Communications in Mandarin (30 credits) - Compulsory

This module aims to build upon and extend your ability to listen, speak, read and write Mandarin Chinese in business contexts, and to promote an understanding of Chinese culture, in general and in the business world. You will analyse the main types of business communications in order to appreciate relevant specialised vocabularies and underlying cultural assumptions.

Business Communication Spanish (30 credits) - Optional

This module aims to build upon and extend your ability to read, write, listen and speak Spanish in business contexts and to promote an understanding of Hispanic culture in general and in the business world. You will analyse the main types of business communications to appreciate relevant specialised vocabularies and underlying cultural assumptions.

Financial Mathematics (30 credits) - Optional

This module explores the mathematics that underlies financial processes and financial decision making, and complements the study of these areas in economics and accounting. Specific areas include probability, extending interest ideas to annuities and bonds, modelling financial data using time series models and Markov chains, applying discrete methods for option pricing, and using utility to make decisions in risky environments.

Behavioural Finance (30 credits) - Optional

The purpose of this module is to introduce non-classical financial decision theory. Classical decision theory assumes that investors are rational and take rational decision. However, there is ample evidence that investors do not behave according to the classical theory and often exhibit irrational or extreme behaviour. This module presents and contrasts classical and alternative decision theories and discuss how these alternative theories can better explain various puzzling phenomena in financial markets that cannot be explained by traditional theories. The module will provide a solid foundation in this new field in finance, allowing you to critically evaluate traditional financial theories, and to better understand the functioning of financial markets.

Intermediate Microeconomics (30 Credits) - Optional

This module aims to provide you with an understanding of microeconomic theories that can be used to explain and predict the behaviour of consumers and firms. The module also aims to explore the nature of the firms and their markets, explain and evaluate theories of consumer and investor behaviour, and analyse and compare a firm’s production and pricing policies given profit maximisation and alternative business objectives. The module will also introduce you to specific topics in microeconomics such as asymmetric information and externalities.

Issues in Financial Accounting (30 credits) - Optional

This module aims to develop knowledge of accounting by introducing issues which involve more than one possible accounting treatment and which are therefore inherently controversial. The module grounds the accounting work in a conceptual, regulatory and governance context, using examples derived from UK, US and International Financial Reporting Standards. It also examines the impact of accounting treatment on the analysis of profitability, liquidity and solvency. You will enhance your ability to read and analyse the financial statements of quoted companies and to identify areas which may be the focus of creative accounting by management. The module encourages you to adopt a critical attitude to the quality of corporate reporting, particularly in areas of non-mandatory narrative disclosures such as corporate social responsibility and governance.

Year 3

Finance (30 credits) - Compulsory

This module aims to provide you with a solid understanding of contemporary corporate finance both theoretically and practically. The module will explain all the main aspects of financial management, including capital budgeting and investment decision-making, capital structure and finance decision-making, and working capital management. It will enable a critical appreciation of the link between accounting and finance, and the interaction between financial decision-making and capital market behaviour. You will also develop and refine your transferable skills, including communication, presentational skills, critical analysis, time management and team-working skills.

Financial Risk Management in Banking (30 credits) - Compulsory

This module aims to allow you to develop an understanding of the process of financial risk management in banking, including financial markets and instruments, derivatives, various bank risks and their management, financial crisis and securitisation, regulations, and the effect of accounting standards. This module provides you the opportunity to develop risk modelling skills, analytical and numerical skills in banking risk management practice.

Monetary Policy (30 credits) - Compulsory

This module builds on the material covered in Banking Theory Practice and you are strongly advised to have taken and passed this module before attempting this one. A sound grasp of macroeconomics is also desirable. The module aims to provide you with an understanding of money, monetary standards and the monetary sector. You will gain an understanding of the evolution of monetary and banking economic theory and the seminal controversies since Hume and Bagehot along with the ability to apply monetary theory to public policy in a domestic and international context. You will investigate emerging and current issues of monetary policy and banking, analyse public policy and safety of the financial system, and develop specialist knowledge suitable for further development via postgraduate study or professional employment.

Audit and Assurance (30 credits) - Optional

This module aims to develop knowledge of the purpose and need for auditing of financial statements. You will gain understanding on some of the theoretical contexts of auditing and develop an ability to evaluate the use of modern auditing techniques in a variety of practical situations. You will learn how to develop and apply audit strategies and learn the practical application of Auditing Standards ISAs.

Authentic Leadership Development (30 credits) - Optional

This module aims to critically evaluate theoretical perspectives on leadership. It will explore key concepts which present the complexity of leadership effectiveness in the 21st Century which include communication and conflict management, ethics, social responsibility, diversity, change, power and politics. The module provides you with an opportunity to apply theoretical concepts to develop and enhance your own personal leadership effectiveness in preparation for your chosen career.

Consulting in Organisations (30 credits) - Optional

The module builds on learning from prior modules and provides you with a theoretical introduction to consulting and the idea of the learning organisation. The module then provides an opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge to organisation practice by working in small teams on a real-time consultancy project which takes place in a variety of public, private and voluntary sector organisations. It gives you the responsibility of approaching and pitching to potential clients, managing yourself, your time, your team relationships and your relationships with external clients, to achieve outcomes that make a real difference to the organisation. The module provides a bridge between academic study and full-time employment by focusing on the significance and relevance of the consultancy experience. It aims to enhance your prospects of employment following the completion of the degree programme.

Corporate Governance (30 credits) - Optional

The module provides you with an understanding of the concepts and key issues in corporate governance and corporate accountability. You will also get an overview of the high-profile cases of corporate failure and analyse them from corporate governance perspective. By extending the traditional corporate governance theoretical framework to address broader corporate social responsibility issues, you will understand the significance of corporate transparency and accountability in modern corporations.

Econometrics (30 credits) - Optional

This module aims to provide you with a deep knowledge of the techniques involved in modern applied econometrics and of how to use these techniques to analyse the empirical performance of economic models. The module is problem and data driven, giving you the skills to estimate and interpret econometric models, while having a strong grasp of the underlying theoretical concepts. The module will introduce you to a range of econometric techniques which will enable you to undertake applied econometric work successfully via hands-on training using econometrics computer software including Excel, Stata and Gretl.

Financial Statement Analysis and Valuation (30 credits) - Optional

This module aims to provide you with the tools for the analysis of financial information, in particular for business valuation. In doing so, you will become familiar with how investors and corporate financiers utilise financial and non-financial information in corporate reports.

Global Business Spanish (30 credits) - Optional

This module reviews, builds upon and extends your existing language skills in reading, writing, listening and speaking Spanish in business contexts to the advanced level. Through this module, you acquire advanced linguistic and cultural knowledge required for business communication in a global environment. It also enhances your awareness of international business and trade issues in the Spanish-speaking world, and how it fits into the global economy today.

International Finance (30 credits) - Optional

This module aims to provide you with the theories of exchange rate and balance of payments, and the skills of managing international financial assets and exchange rate risks in a global environment. You will have the opportunity to study the operations of the world capital markets, grasp the principles essential to understanding of global financial issues and policies, and apply tools to effectively evaluate international risk in order to succeed in international financial environment.

Mandarin in Global Business (30 credits) - Optional

This module aims to review, consolidate and further enhance your existing language skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing Mandarin Chinese with emphasis on the contexts of international trade. You will also analyse current economic trends and issues in contemporary Chinese societies and appreciate how China fits into the global economy today.

Work Internship (30 credits) - Optional

The primary aim of the internship module is to provide you with the opportunity to undertake a period of work experience for a minimum of 30 days. This will facilitate you to gain an insight into the world of work and appropriate conduct at work, and the process of becoming and staying employable through assertiveness, continuing development and reflection on both your development and the link between theory and practice. You will also develop an understanding of the organisation, sector and the environment in which it operates.

You can find more information about this course in the programme specification. Module and programme information is indicative and may be subject to change.

Teaching

How is the BSc Banking and Finance taught?

You will attend lectures, workshops and seminars, and learn by working on group assignments, problem-solving exercises and case study analyses. You will read textbooks and academic journals, and further your understanding through class discussions and exercises in class and online.

Work placements

We encourage our students to undertake a paid work placement during their studies either as a year long assignment between Year 2 and 3, or as two shorter placements during the summers of Year 1 and 2, and between Year 2 and 3. The paid, year-long work placement exempts you from paying tuition fees for the full academic year ensuring you gain the necessary practical skills to embark on your chosen career.

Assessment

You will be assessed through exams, tests, written assignments, presentations and group exercises. You will receive informal feedback from your tutor in seminars and after class tests.

Teaching

Lectures allow you to gain and develop knowledge in specific subjects. You can discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures and practicals in smaller seminar groups. In addition, you can arrange one to one sessions with your personal tutor or module leader. You will also have access to and use resources to support your learning.

Independent Learning

When not attending your teaching, sessions mentioned above, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve reading journal articles and books, working on projects, undertaking research, and preparing for assessments including coursework, presentations and examinations. Your independent learning is supported by the facilities available including the library and Study Hub, Laptop hire, and with online materials in MyUniHub (see student support section below).

Overall Workload

Your overall workload will include the activities listed above, and with each credit being completed equating to 10 hours of study time (You will complete 120 credits per level of study, which are broken down into modules of typically 30 credits). While your actual hours may depend on the optional module that you choose (if available), the following information will give you an indication of how much time is allocated to teaching and independent study on your course;

Level 4

31% of your time is spent in timetabled teaching and learning activity:

Teaching, learning and assessment: 373 hours

Independent Learning: 827 hours

Level 5

18% of your time is spent in timetabled teaching and learning activity:

Teaching, learning and assessment: 218 hours

Independent Learning: 983 hours

Level 6

30% of your time is spent in timetabled teaching and learning activity:

Teaching, learning and assessment: 358 hours

Independent Learning: 842 hours

Academic Support

You will have access to academic support services that you assist you in the following areas;

Employability, with workshops and tutorials on CV writing, interview and presentation skills.

Library Support, including sessions on finding, and choosing the right resources and software and tutorials on referencing and plagiarism.

Progression and Support Advisors to assist you with if you experience difficulties with your studies.

Well-being Services.

These services can be accessed through the UniHelp Desk in the Library building.

Assessment

The course will provide you with opportunities to test your knowledge and understanding informally through ‘formative’ assessment. This will be completed before your formal ‘summative’ assessment which will count towards your final marks. Each module normally contains at least one piece of formative assessment from which you will receive feedback from your tutor. Formative assessments are developmental and any grade you receive from formative assessment does not count towards your final marks.

There is formal ‘summative’ assessment as part of the module, usually towards the end of the module. The grades from the summative assessments count towards your module mark. Assessments are reviewed annually and may be updated based on student feedback, to suit content or based on feedback from an external examiner.

Percentage of course assessed by coursework

The balance of assessment will depend on the modules that you complete throughout your course. The approximate percentage of the course which is assessed by coursework is outlined below:

Level 4

28% coursework

72% written exams

Level 5

5% coursework

95% written exams

Level 6

10% coursework

87% written exams

3% practical exams

Feedback

You will receive feedback on the formative assessment, and written summative assessments. Feedback on examination performance can be requested from the module leader. Feedback is intended to help you learn and progress, and you are encouraged to review and discuss your feedback with your module or personal tutor.

We will aim to provide you with feedback within 15 working days of submission.

Details of progression and pass marks for assessment can be found in the university regulations.

Life at Middlesex

Entry requirements

Qualifications

Middlesex University has a flexible and personalised approach to admissions and we accept applications from students with a wide range of qualifications and a combination of qualifications.

Please check our general entry requirements page to see how these points can be achieved from our acceptable level 3 qualifications and the combinations which are welcomed by Middlesex University, including GCSE requirements.

Applications from mature candidates without formal qualifications are welcomed, provided they can demonstrate appropriate levels of relevant ability and experience.

If you are unable to meet the entry requirements for this course you may still be eligible for our Foundation year course. This is an extra year of study to prepare you for the full degree. For more information see our Business Foundation page.Our entry requirements are displayed as grades. Please use the UCAS calculator to find out the equivalent tariff points.

Eligibility

UK/EU and International students are eligible to apply for this course.

Academic credit for previous study or experience

If you have achieved a qualification such as a foundation degree or HND, or have gained credit at another university, you may be able to enter a Middlesex University course in year two or three. For further information please visit our Transfer students page.

If you have relevant work experience, academic credit may be awarded towards your Middlesex University qualification. For further information please visit our Accreditation of Prior Learning page.

Interviews, entrance tests, portfolios and auditions

Entry onto this course does not require an interview, entrance test, portfolio or audition.

Qualifications

112 UCAS points

Middlesex University has a flexible and personalised approach to admissions and we accept applications from students with a wide range of qualifications and a combination of qualifications.

Please check our general entry requirements page to see how these points can be achieved from our acceptable level 3 qualifications and the combinations which are welcomed by Middlesex University, including GCSE requirements.

Applications from mature candidates without formal qualifications are welcomed, provided they can demonstrate appropriate levels of relevant ability and experience.

If you are unable to meet the entry requirements for this course you may still be eligible for our Foundation year course. This is an extra year of study to prepare you for the full degree. For more information see our Business Foundation page.Our entry requirements are displayed as grades. Please use the UCAS calculator to find out the equivalent tariff points.

If you have achieved a qualification such as a foundation degree or HND, or have gained credit at another university, you may be able to enter a Middlesex University course in year two or three. For further information please visit our Transfer students page.

To find out more about the qualifications we accept from your country please visit the relevant Support in your country page. If you are unsure about the suitability of your qualifications or would like help with your application, please contact your nearest Regional office for support.

Visas and immigration

You will not need a visa to study in the UK if you are a citizen of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland. If you are a national of any other country you may need a visa to study in the UK. Please see our Visas and immigration page for further information.

English language requirements for international students

You must have competence in English language to study with us. The most commonly accepted evidence of English language ability is IELTS 6.0 (with minimum 5.5 in all four components). Visit our English language requirements page for a full list of accepted English tests and qualifications. If you don't meet our minimum English language requirements, we offer an intensive Pre-sessional English course.

Interviews, entrance tests, portfolios and auditions

Entry onto this course does not require an interview, entrance test, portfolio or audition.

Scholarships, fees and bursaries

Careers

How can the BSc Banking and Finance support your career?

You will graduate primed with the professional knowledge and skills for a career in the banking and finance sector, and be well prepared for postgraduate study. The finance industry offers a wealth of career options for determined graduates within areas such as banks and building societies, insurance, accountancy within either audit, tax or an accountancy business, or managing investment and pension funds. The roles are just as varied and can include Trainee Accountant, Claims Negotiator, Self Ledger Clerk, Finance Secretary and also Sales.

Previous graduates have gone on to work in a wide range of roles in prestigious organisations including:

Alison is a Chartered Management Accountant CIMA and has connections with professional accounting bodies and employability. Prior to joining Middlesex University, Alison worked at HSBC, Mitsubishi Trust and Banking Corporation and Lendlease. She is interested in the development of online technologies and applying these into Higher Education.

Research interests: Accounting Education, Technology in Education, Accounting History

Ellie is a Middlesex University alumna. She trained and qualified as a Chartered Accountant with Deloitte gaining experience of a diverse range of clients in the banking and finance industry. She is heavily involved with the activities of the British Accounting and Finance Association – Accounting Education Special Interest Group.

Angeli is ACA qualified and holds a BA in Accounting from the University of Dundee. She was the Finance Director at BD London, an advertising and marketing agency, and at Earls Court and Olympia exhibition venues prior to joining Middlesex University.

Vinita is a chartered accountant and has over fifteen years' experience in Practice. She was previously a senior manager in a City firm of accountants. She is now Head of Finance in a commercial organisation, and a part-time lecturer at the University. She strives to bring her practical experience into her teaching to make the subject real and relevant to her students.

Tony has many years of teaching finance at London South Bank University, Coventry University and, now, Middlesex University. His teaching portfolio extends across corporate finance, investment analysis, financial markets and financial risk management. Tony’s produced teaching material for the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (ICSA) and is currently the coordinator for an ICSA module in Portfolio Management. His interests lie in the evolution of investment management, financial markets and risk assessment practices.

Student profiles

Ana Starciuc

Banking and Fiance BA student

The course is complex, stimulating, challenging, exciting but at the same time rewarding. I'm particularly proud of my HRM report that analyses the internal and external environment of an organisation and finds solutions to its problems and my Applied Econometrics project that estimates the probability of default of a firm.

In the future, I'm planning to do a masters degree in Finance and Investments and becoming a professional in the banking sector. My time at Middlesex has given me considerable help to achieve my ambitions.